This blog was written by Cal State San Bernardino volleyball play Danielle Newcombe.

December 3, 2011, is a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’ll always remember the way I felt, the people I was with and the pride I felt stepping onto that court in front of almost 3,000 people with my CSUSB jersey on. The emotions I felt are something I can’t explain. How many people can say they played in a National Championship match on their home court? Not many. What an opportunity this was. This weekend was incredible. It still feels surreal.

The results of the match are not what I’m focused on. I’m focused on the record-breaking season we had. I’m focused on the bonds we made with each other. Obviously, winning the match would have been phenomenal. And yes, losing made us all sad, but what really made us hurt was the thought that that was the last match that team would play together. Never again will that same exact team step out onto the court together. We may not be together after this, but we made our mark on that school. We filled up the arena to the point in which it was standing room only. We accomplished so much this season. The way we played together was magic. We were amazing.

Concordia-St. Paul may have won the National Title, but I know for a fact that we are truly the best team in the nation. We have a connection, chemistry, a love, a magic. Call me biased, but Cal State San Bernardino is the best team in the nation. We may not have a ring, but we have amazing memories and a love for each other that will continue on even after our days at CSUSB are over. I’ll take that over a ring any day.

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